Scribd
Upload
237 views

Node-Based VS Layer-Based: Compositing Software

Node-based and layer-based compositing programs offer different workflows for combining visual elements. Node-based programs like Nuke, Shake, and Fusion represent elements as nodes in a graph, while layer-based programs like After Effects use a stacked layer structure. Key differences are that node-based programs do not rely on timelines and allow effects to be applied non-destructively to multiple instances, while layer-based programs make keyframing and arranging elements over time more intuitive. The optimal approach depends on the complexity of the composition.

Uploaded by

V-Luân Ngô
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
237 views

Node-Based VS Layer-Based: Compositing Software

Node-based and layer-based compositing programs offer different workflows for combining visual elements. Node-based programs like Nuke, Shake, and Fusion represent elements as nodes in a graph, while layer-based programs like After Effects use a stacked layer structure. Key differences are that node-based programs do not rely on timelines and allow effects to be applied non-destructively to multiple instances, while layer-based programs make keyframing and arranging elements over time more intuitive. The optimal approach depends on the complexity of the composition.

Uploaded by

V-Luân Ngô
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Node-based VS Layer-based

Compositing Software

While modeling, rigging, texturing, and animating cover a huge portion in an


animation production process, compositing is also a huge aspect that should not be
neglected. Composition combines all visual elements from separate sources into one
single container and it creates an illusion as if every element is part of the same
scene. From composing a series of distant mountains to a single lamppost in a busy
street, composition converges each visual element into a complex scene. Though
compositing may seem trivial, no matter how great and beautiful the models are
modeled or how smooth the animation is, an amateur composition will result in an
unprofessional and unconvincing piece.

Composition is one interesting skill. It takes a good deal of understanding in various


different functions of color adjustments, visual details and organizing elements.
Composition programs such as AfterEffects, Shake, Fusion, and Nuke offer such
functions to manipulate the final output of an animation. In the listed programs,
there are two styles of composition workflow. They are Node-based and Layered-
based. Out of the list, Shake, Fusion and Nuke are Node-based and AfterEffects is the
only Layered-based composition program. In fact, AfterEffects is the only layer-
based compositing program.

In a node-based composition, elements within a composition are displayed through


a tree graph, along with each element and its respective effects are laid out in links
from the source input to the final output. Each single effect and source is displayed
as nodes and the linkage between them represents the relation between the two
elements. Node-based compositing is non-destructive to the original source and the
parameters to manipulate the source are clearly laid out in a tree diagram.

Figure 1 Node-based compositing (Nuke)

Layer-based compositing, on the other hand, handles elements in a stacked layer


style. Top leveled elements are displayed on top of the ones that are stacked
beneath it. Effects are also controlled by either applying directly onto the layer or by
adjustment layers. Layer-based offers a better visual way in compositing different
visual element. Users can easily appreciate the visual UI when manipulating the
scene.

Figure 2 - Layer-based compositing (AfterEffects)

There is one major difference between node-based compositing and layer-based


compositing and this difference requires a steep curve for users to adapt to both
workflow environments. The difference is time and keyframing. In layer-based
compositing, namely in AfterEffects, users can effortlessly relate their visual
element against the timeline and keyframing points along time. Whereas in node-
based programs, each source is ruled by the parameters that are linked to them,
therefore the workflow does not stem from time entirely.

Another notable
difference in workflow
would be hierarchy
visibility. Layer-based
compositing make use
of nested
compositions to
maintain a
hierarchical structure
with each nested
composition governed
by its own adjustment
layers or applied
effects. In doing so, a
very complicated
composition hierarchy
will result from a
moderately high
Figure 3 Properties options in AE Figure 4 Properties Option in Nuke
number of layers. This would not be a desirable workflow when multiple instances
of the same effects are used somewhere else in other compositions.

Node-based compositing handles complicated composition in a much more


understandable manner. Nodes of effects can be applied to multiple source
instances at the same time by linking the two together. This allows a much cleaner
and organized way in compositing a scene.

Both methods have flaws and advantages in workflow, depending on the artists
preference. And both workflows are capable of producing the same result. The
effectiveness of using either one over another depends on the complexity of the
composition. When the composition is complex and have many different elements,
use node-based compositing would allow a more organized overview of the project.
Whereas if the composition is relatively less complicated, the estate of a timeline is
far more easier to visualize.
References
Gartner, K. (2009, December). Node based compositing for After Effect Users.
Retrieved from http://vfxhaiku.com/2009/12/node-based-compositing-for-
after-effects-users/

Maschwitz. S. (2007, Janurary). More Nodes vs. Layers. Retrieved from


http://prolost.com/blog/2007/1/17/more-nodes-vs-layers.html

You might also like